We face a great number of challenges in our country. I encourage everyone to be a voice of light in a time of darkness to those who need help. Keep joy in your hearts. Hope in man. And faith in God.

Congratulations @RepEllzey for scoring a 100% on the American Energy Scorecard! Thank you for being a champion for American energy! americanenergyalliance.org/2…

Twenty-five years ago, nearly 3,000 Americans went about an ordinary Tuesday morning and never came home. Today, we remember them. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who showed incredible courage, and the families who have carried that loss every day since. For those of us who served in the years that followed, September 11 is a reminder of what we were called to defend and why that service mattered. I also remember what this country looked like afterward. Americans stood together, prayed together, helped their neighbors, and reminded the world who we are. May God bless the families of those we lost, and may we never forget September 11, 2001.

Last week, Matthew Cook met with @RepLoriTrahan, @RepEllzey, @RepGusBilirakis, and @RepHouchin. We’re grateful for their support as we advocate for a stronger pediatric workforce, greater investment in youth mental health care, and access to care for all children.

Hey everyone, I’m in Annapolis at the Naval Academy. Let’s take a walk. 

America's energy and water needs are growing thanks to @POTUS "Made in America" initiatives. @HouseSmallBiz examined how industrial innovation and CTE programs can help Main Street meet the demand. #MadeInAmerica READ MORE from Subcommittee Chairman @RepEllzey: smallbusiness.house.gov/news…

Today, I led a @HouseSmallBiz hearing on how America can meet its growing energy and water needs while protecting families, farmers, and small businesses from carrying an unfair share of the cost. We discussed the role of nuclear power, the need for long-term investment in water infrastructure, and how local contractors, manufacturers, and skilled workers can benefit from the projects being built in their communities. I was especially glad to welcome my friend, Texas State Representative @CodyHarrisTX , to Washington. Cody understands these challenges well, and I’m grateful he shared what Texas is doing to prepare for continued growth while keeping our grid reliable, protecting our water resources, and creating opportunities for small businesses.

WATCH: @RepEllzey and State Rep. @CodyHarrisTX highlight how small modular reactors can help meet America’s growing energy and produced water treatment needs. Harris's message to Congress: cut the red tape and let Texas lead the way.

Hey everyone. I want to take a few minutes today to talk about something that’s been on my heart and mind lately: perspective.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Chairwoman Kay Granger. Kay dedicated her life to serving North Texas and our country with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment. She made history throughout her career, but she never lost sight of the people she represented. It was an honor to serve alongside her on the House Appropriations Committee and to call her a friend. Shelby and I are praying for her family, her friends, and everyone mourning this tremendous loss. She will be deeply missed.

Integrating STEP grants under OED means less duplication and BETTER service to entrepreneurs. WATCH: @RepEllzey and Mr. Fitzpatrick discuss how @SBAgov can get these grants out more effectively and drive real efficiency.

In between votes, it was great to join the entire Texas Delegation for a photo for the @America250 Time Capsule!

Texas lost one of its own this weekend. Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in Jordan. At just 19 years old, she answered the call to serve something greater than herself, and our country is better because of her courage and commitment. We also mourn the second American soldier who gave his life alongside her. Please join Shelby and me in praying for their families, friends, and fellow soldiers as they carry this tremendous loss. As a nation, we honor their sacrifice and stand with those they leave behind. May God bring comfort to their families and continue to watch over our men and women in uniform.

Its the honor of a lifetime to serve our country, and I am humbled to receive this award.

Today, 250 years ago, the world changed. America changed the course of human history. Over the last 250 years, America has endured war, hardship, division, and sacrifice. But we have also achieved the impossible, expanded freedom, inspired generations, and proven time and again that no challenge is too great when the American people stand together. The story of our nation has never been one of perfection. It has always been one of perseverance. Every generation has been called to leave this country stronger than they found it, and every generation has answered that call in its own way. As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, may we remember those who built this nation, those who defended it, and those who continue to serve it today. The greatest chapters of the American story are not behind us. They are still being written.

Spent the morning at the rededication of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as it celebrates 50 years. Since opening in 1976, it’s been a place where kids and adults alike can look up, dream big, and learn about the Americans who changed the course of aviation and space exploration. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s well worth the trip!

A quick look at last week’s rearview before we accelerate into the schedule ahead: ✅ FY27 Defense markup complete ✅ @DHSGov oversight hearing ✅ All 12 FY27 bills reported out of full committee Every hearing. Every markup. Every oversight effort. Article I in action!

While I’m in Washington this week, my district team is back home volunteering at the VA’s Fourth of July picnic. They helped serve hot dogs, ice cream, and pie to nearly 2,000 veterans and VA employees, many of whom served in uniform themselves. It’s a small way to say thank you to the men and women who have served our country. I’m grateful to my team for representing our office and to everyone who helped make the day special for our veterans.

The United States must be able to defend itself. Having the most lethal fighting force on the planet is only half the equation. We must equip our service members with everything they need to deter our adversaries and preserve the peace without firing a single shot. But if that moment comes, We must be prepared to win quickly, decisively, and without question. That’s why I’m proud to support this year’s Defense Appropriations bill, and I’m proud of the work our committee did to advance it.

With Labor-HHS and Homeland reporting out of full committee, and Defense advancing out of subcommittee, Appropriators closed out another productive week. ✅ Thoughtful deliberation and fiscal responsibility continue to guide the appropriations process every step of the way.